CANtrace Help
A powerful CAN bus analyser software and diagnostic tool
This chapter describes the basic system requirements for CANtrace. The installation procedure and how to use command prompt to start CANtrace.
2.1 Requirements
CANtrace can be run on the following platforms:
- Windows 10, 64-bit
- Windows 11, 64-bit
CANtrace requires a computer with a minimum of 1GB of RAM and 100 MB of free disk space. CANtrace is designed primarily for 13-15 inch screens, but it works with any screen resolution of 800×600 or higher.
CANtrace is fully usable without an Internet connection.
2.2 Installation
After you have downloaded the CANtrace zip file, please extract the files to a folder. Then double click the executable file and follow the wizard which will guide you through the installation process. The installation process needs administrative rights.
CANtrace is targeted at .Net Framework 4.5. The installer will run the Windows .Net Framework 4.5 web installer if your PC doesn’t have .Net Framework 4.5 installed.
After the installation is finished, you can execute CANtrace from the desktop icon (if selected to create one) or from the Windows start menu.
2.3 CANtrace UI
This section describes the basic user interface of the CANtrace program.
Figure 2.1 CANtrace UI
The program title bar displays the path of the project file you have opened with CANtrace.
The status bar displays the current data and ID’s format, the current on/off bus status and the status of the logging.
Table 2.1 Menu description
| File | File menu offers commands for creating, loading and saving project files and for configuring database (DBC) files and opening Kvaser Database Editor program. See Project File for more information. |
| CAN | Offers commands for setting up CAN interfaces in CANtrace and go on/off bus commands. See CAN Settings for more information. |
| View | To set which tabs should be visible or invisible. |
| Trace | Here displays the name of the current selected tab. See Tabs for more information. |
| Log | Offers commands for configuring logging and DBC logging. See Logging for more information. |
| Help | Offers commands for opening help document (this document) and import license. See License for more information. |
The toolbar offers you a more convenient way to reach the most commonly used commands.
Table 2.2 Toolbar description
| Picture | Name | Description |
 |
Start | Initialize the configured CAN interfaces and then Go on bus/Start tracing. |
 |
Stop | Configured CAN interfaces Go off bus/Stop tracing. |
 |
Pause Trace | The program pauses tracing and stores received data in a pause buffer for replay when resume is pressed. It also pauses logging to file. |
 |
Resume Trace | The program resumes tracing bus-messages and data buffered during the pause is now replayed. If “Logging while OnBus” is set, then the program also resumes logging to file. |
 |
HEX – formatting | All data and ID(s) are displayed in hexadecimal format. |
 |
DEC – formatting | All data and ID(s) are displayed in decimal format. |
 |
CAN Settings | Opens the CAN-Interfaces Settings window. This button is disabled while on bus. |
 |
Kvaser Database Editor | Opens the Kvaser Database Editor. This software is installed while CANtrace is installed, but it’s not removed when you uninstall CANtrace. |
 |
Associate Database | Add, remove or edit databases. |
 |
Help | Opens the help document (the document you are reading now) |
Status Bar displays if CANtrace is on Decimal or Hexadecimal mode, On/Off Bus, If logging is active/inactive, and Python script status.
2.4 Start Tracing
This section will explain how to set up a CAN device and go on bus.
- First, you must set up the CAN device parameters correctly corresponding to the CAN network and CAN interface. You can set the parameters by going to CAN in the menu bar, then selecting Settings.
Figure 2.2 CAN->Settings Menu
How to set up Vector can be found here
How to set up Castor USB can be found here
How to set up Kvaser can be found here
How to set up Peak can be found here - Second, you can start tracing by going to CAN > Start. Alternatively, use the shortcut key F2.
OR press on the button in tool bar:
Figure 2.3 CAN->Start Menu
Note : The license is tied to the serial number of a CAN interface or to the serial number of the PC.
If no licensed hardware is found when going on bus all CAN interfaces are set to inactive and they need to be manually activated in CAN->Settings dialogue after a new license has been added or a licensed hardware has been connected to the computer.